ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the interpretation of climate data for a particular location, and also the use of applicability maps, to evaluate the initial feasibility of different cooling strategies. The opportunity for evaporative cooling has been traditionally associated with dry climates when wet bulb temperatures are below 22°C. Active Downdraught Cooling becomes an environment-friendly solution in climates with warm and humid conditions presenting low Passive Evaporative Cooling applicability. China is a large country with varied climate from subtropical zones in the south to temperate zones in the north. Climate analysis is essential for understanding the ‘need’ and ‘opportunity’ for the applicability of natural cooling strategies. To evaluate active downdraught cooling (ADC) opportunity the index coil-to-room temperature depression is determined together with a complementary index to prioritise ADC opportunity on humid climates. The direct relationship existing between climate and the applicability of convective and evaporative passive cooling systems allow the creation of applicability charts based on location-specific climate data for feasibility assessment.
